The district police will observe Police Martyrs’ Day at the police ground in Madikeri at 8.30 am on October 21.
Principal District and Sessions Judge Jinaralakar Bheemarao Lagamappa and Superintendent of Police Kshama Mishra will take part.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / October 20th, 2021
A couple of days back I received the Annual Report of the Coorg Education Fund, Madikeri, Kodagu, like in the past few years. Though I hardly go through it, it is a reminder that I am a Life Member of this Fund. I don’t even remember when and how I became a Life Member. Let it be.
However, my first connect with this Fund was probably in 1957-58 when I was a student in Madikeri First Grade College, as it was known then. For some reason, may be connected with sports, I was to have a blue-blazer but I did not have the courage to ask my father. A classmate told me that I could approach, with an application, the Coorg Education Fund, the Office of which was in Madikeri itself. Looking back, I guess the procedure to get the money, a sort of loan, was rather simple. And I got the required Rs. 150 and the blazer which I wore with a sense of pride — walking around like a cockerel! Of course, I forgot about the loan and in time the blazer too.
Many years passed. I was in Mumbai as a journalist and I received a letter from my father saying the Coorg Education Fund had sent me (or him) a notice claiming refund of the amount. Mercifully, he also mentioned that he had settled that account in full. After all, it was a question of his prestige in the society. He did not, however, forget to write that I had taken that money without his knowledge.
Time passed, nearly 20 years. I returned to Mysuru, the border district of Coorg, as the Publisher and Editor of this newspaper and the sister publication Mysuru Mithra. Simultaneously, I was also writing books in English and Kannada as a pastime. One book was about Coorg and the efforts of Protestant Christians to convert the local Kodavas — a historical fiction titled ‘The Cross and the Coorgs.’
Surprisingly, the Fund decided to honour me for my effort at its Annual Meeting. Aware that I owe no money to the Fund borrowed while a student, I agreed to attend. I don’t know if I donated any a money but surely I must have become a Life Member. Otherwise how would I get the invite for the Annual Meeting.
This year the meeting is on 30.10.2021 and with its President Koothanda P. Uthappa, at the helm, it is going to be a great year of noble service as in the past. By the way Koothanda P. Uthappa has been steering this ship of Fund for the past 21 years with great elan. No wonder the corpus fund for the year 2020 was Rs. 9,05,68,877 as against Rs. 61,13,935 in 2000-2001. A quantum leap indeed and multiple three-cheers to K.P. Uthappa and his team. And the greater glory is that as on 11.9.2021 the corpus is Rs. 11,82,14,382. Should one say more? Funds are in safe hands and as per Report, appropriated properly for the noble service of supporting the cause of education among the community.
Another person who was the President of the Fund for the longest period so far was Chendanda P. Appanna (Appi), a big planter whom I had seen and spoken to. He was the President from 1974 to 1997, 23 years. May be, K.P. Uthappa will in the next three years beat the record of Appanna. And we can look forward for a treasury flush with a few more crores.
As I remember, some members of the community had made a request to the Coorg Education Fund to establish a Medical College in Kodagu with its corpus fund of a few crores as the initial capital etc. But the idea was not accepted by the then President. I guess, in retrospect, it was a good decision by the President and the Fund is pursuing the objective of its Founders most honestly with passion even after 158 years.
The genesis of this Fund was in the Mercara School Endowment Education Fund started in the year 1863. The British were ruling Kodagu at the time after dislodging the King Chikkaveera Rajendra in 1834.
This Fund was created by 11 noblemen of Kodagu, all Kodavas, at a time when concern for Education was not a priority in the country generally. That Fund was rechristened, I imagine, in the year 1916 as Coorg Education Fund and has been rendering its service to the community since then.
I know K.P. Uthappa since over a decade because of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB) which he was heading in Kodagu and I was the Vice-Chairman of BVB Mysuru. I found him to be a good speaker, always touching upon matters spiritual, metaphysical and holy scriptures. No wonder of all the Annual General Body Report I receive, of the few Associations and Organisations I am a member, ONLY the Report of this Fund is different from others. Apart from matters pertaining to the Agenda of the meeting as per the law, the Report has writings relating to ethics, morals and noble acts of service to mankind. Well, if the President is a person of K.P. Uthappa’s thinking about life and service, apparently steeped in spiritual consciousness, I figure, that it is inevitable such writings too must form part of such Annual Reports. And so it is here.
He has given the vision of Coorg Education Fund in the following words:
“The progress of any community in society depends on the education of their children. It is, therefore, our endeavour that all boys and girls should become graduates, doctors, engineers, CAs and excel in other professions.”
“It is such a vision that can serve the society, the community and the country at large.”
It is obvious there is a patriotic, nationalistic fervour in this precept prescribed by the President of the Fund. I think this dose of discourse is needed so that we may not despair despite challenges. Of the moral lessons and some quotable quotes, let me reproduce here one interesting episode connected to Winston Churchill:
Masonic contribution
The poor Scottish farmer’s name was Fleming. One day, while working in the field, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby marshy land (bog). He dropped his tools and ran to the marshy land.
There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been slow and terrifying death. The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman’s sparse surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as father of the boy farmer Fleming had saved. “I want to repay you,” said the nobleman. “You saved my son’s life.”
“No, I can’t accept payment for what I did,” the Scottish farmer replied waving off the offer. At that moment, the farmer’s own son came to the door of the family hovel. “Is that your son?” the nobleman asked.
“Yes,” the farmer replied proudly.
“I’ll make you a deal. Let me provide him with the level of education my own son will enjoy. If the lad is anything like his father, he’ll no doubt grow to be a man we both will be proud of.” And that he did.
Farmer Fleming’s son attended the very best schools and in time, graduated from St. Mary’s Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin.
Years afterward, the same nobleman’s son, who was saved from the marshy land, was stricken with pneumonia.
What saved his life this time?
Penicillin.
Who was the nobleman?
Lord Randolp Churchill.
Who was his son?
Sir Winston Churchill.
[Both Winston and Alexander were Freemasons]
‘Let noble thoughts come to us from every side,’ a verse from Rigveda, is the motto of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB). Indeed, K.P. Uthappa is much influenced by the ideals of BVB.
[voice@starofmysore.com]
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Columns> Abracadabra / by K.B.Ganapathy / October 18th, 2021
To help the inclusion of language in Eighth Schedule of Constitution
Mysore/Mysuru:
Stating that the demand for third language status for ‘Kodava Thakk’ (language) is being considered at the Government level, Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah observed that such a status will help include the language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
He was speaking after inaugurating the seminar on “Inclusion of Kodava Language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution” and a book release programme jointly organised by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy and Kodava Samaja, Mysuru at Kodava Samaja auditorium in Vijayanagar First Stage here this morning.
Observing that those who left Kodagu district to settle elsewhere must not forget their native land and mother-tongue, Bopaiah, who is also a former Assembly Speaker, said that natives of Kodagu, especially the youths, should take pride in Kodava language and culture wherever they stay.
Stressing on the need for saving Kodava language and culture for generations to come, the MLA assured that he will extend all support for inclusion of the language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. He also called for a much organised and united effort for pursuing the cause with the Government.
Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy Chairperson Dr. Ammatanda Parvathi Appaiah said that Kodava language must be declared as the third language in Karnataka and a resolution must be passed in the Assembly.
Noting that Kodava is a Dravida language having its own culture, identity and history, Parvathi Appaiah regretted that the language has not been included in the Eighth Schedule despite meeting all the requirements.
“The primary reason for this is the small numerical strength of the community and lack of political power. When former Bengaluru Mayor Prema Cariappa was a Rajya Sabha member, she had taken up the cause. But after her term ended, no one pursued the cause,” she noted.
She said that the Academy has been collecting and collating all available records in support of the demand for inclusion of the language in the Eighth Schedule. Stating that Mangalore University is already offering certificate and diploma courses in Kodava language, she said that the Academy is making efforts to teach Kodava language to PG students.
Ajjinikanda Mahesh Nachaiah, Editor of ‘Poomale’ weekly, who delivered a talk on the seminar topic, said that though Kodava is a language spoken by a small group of people, it has succeeded in retaining its importance and significance, besides its own identity.
Contending that Kodava language has found mention even in mythology, he said that Kodavas are a population which grew and prospered in Cauvery valley civilisation. Asserting that Kodava has its own place in Indian folklore, he opined that the influence of Kodava language began to wane after Kodagu was merged with Karnataka. Noting that there are 22 official languages in the Eighth Schedule, he said that the Government must not delay in the inclusion of the language, considering the fact that the language has its own identity.
Four books that were released are: ‘Meedi Beppo’ by Ithichanda Ramesh Uthappa, ‘Nallame’ authored by Monnanda Shobha Subbaiah, ‘Ponnrantha Thakk’ authored by Chotteyanadamada Lalitha Cariappa and ‘Sampoorna Mahabharata – Chod Chodya’ by Bachamanda Gowramma Madammaiah.
Karnataka Western Ghats Conservation Task Force Chairman Shantheyanda Ravi Kushalappa, Dr. R. Chalpathi of Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Kannada (CESCK), Kodava Samaja Mysuru President Kekada M. Belliappa and others were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 20th, 2021
Ponnampet Kodava Samaja will extend its support to the United Codava Organisation (UCO) in the fight towards the formation of Kodava community development corporation, said Kodava Samaja, Ponnampet, president Chottekmada Rajiv Bopaiah.
During a meeting held in Kodava Samaja, Ponnampet, he said that the demand of UCO is timely. The corporation, if established, will help in the strengthening of the Kodava community and claim its rights.
UCO president Kokkalemada Manju Chinnappa said that even though there is an opinion that the Kodava people are financially well off, they are ignored when it comes to social and political representation.
“When a separate development corporation is formed for Vokkaligas who are listed under the 3 A category, why not form a development corporation for Kodavas who are listed under the same category?” he asked.
Kodava Samaja secretary Ponnimada Suresh, treasurer Mookalera Lakshmana, directors Mallamada Prabhu Poonacha, Cheppudira Rakesh Devaiah, Bopanna, Roopa Uttappa, Mandechandra Dinesh Chityappa, Mookalamada Arasu Nanjappa, Addanda Sunil and UCO member Kallichanda Robin Subbaiah were present.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Gonikoppa / October 10th, 2021
When I read the poem ‘Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard’ by the English poet Thomas Gray (1751) many years ago, I found many quotable quotes in that rather long poem. But the one that remained in my memory and used it in some of my writings about our heroes and achievers who go unrecognised by the society is this particular quotation. I guess those are the four immortal sentences in that poem because, I know, in this world many achievers, geniuses and those who sacrificed their lives for the cause of humanity — gems of purest ray and flowers of great sweetness — are still remaining unknown and unrecognised. Let me quote those four lines:
Full many a gem of purest ray serene,
The dark unfathomed caves of ocean bear.
Full many a flower is born to blush unseen,
And waste its sweetness on the desert air.
I remembered these verses of Thomas Gray’s poem while reading the report on the unveiling of life-size statue of gallant Fighter Pilot Squadron Leader Ajjamada Bopayya Devayya (A.B. Devayya) in Madikeri, Kodagu, on 7th September 2020. He too would have become a ‘gem of purest ray serene’ buried in the ‘unfathomed caves of ocean’ or would have been a flower born to blush unseen, but for the publication of a book titled “Battle for Pakistan” authored by John Fricker, an English journalist, based on interviews he conducted with Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Pilots.
The then Flight Lieutenant Amjad Hussain of PAF had narrated in that interview about the India-Pakistan War of 1965. He told the journalist that after accomplishing a successful raid over Pakistan’s Sargodha Airfield at the appointed time by IAF Fighter Aircraft, all Subsonic Mystere Aircraft, they were returning to their base in India. But the PAF’s Flight Lieutenant Amjad Hussain, who was piloting a superior aircraft to that of India’s, Supersonic Mach 2, F-104 Starfighter Aircraft, intercepted the Indian aircraft piloted by Squadron Leader A.B. Devayya.
About this incident, a reader of Star of Mysore, a veteran of IAF and the then President of Air Force Friends Association, Mysore, Mandetira N. Subramani, had written an article in Star of Mysore on 27.10.2000 (20 years back). There, in that article, he says “Neither the PAF pilot’s flying skill nor the F-104 Starfighter’s superior fire-power and speed deterred Squadron Leader A.B. Devayya. With single-minded devotion and rare courage, he ultimately succeeded in shooting down the PAF plane with the pilot Amjad Hussain safely ejecting.”
All the IAF Fighter Pilots, 6 of them, who were involved in the task of bombing the heavily defended Pakistan Airfield, returned to the Indian base at Adampur. But one pilot was listed as “missing in action.” He was Squadron Leader Ajjamada Bopayya Devayya. And he, apparently remained a “missing in action” officer all the years till the book titled “Battle for Pakistan” was published many years later and aroused the interest of another Indian IAF Officer Group Captain O.P. Taneja, Vir Chakra (retired).
Subsequently, mercifully, the Air Head Quarters conducted a careful investigation and innumerable interviews with the IAF Pilots who flew with Squadron Leader A.B. Devayya to confirm the veracity of what was written about Devayya in that book. Finally, he was conferred the honour of Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) posthumously. A martyr at last recognised. Thanks to people like the English journalist who wrote that book, to Flight Lieutenant Amjad Hussain of PAF for being so honest about a war situation, to Group Captain O.P. Taneja and nearer home our Veteran Sergeant M.N. Subramani (a retired Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of IAF), who pursued his efforts to get our people here to recognise and properly reward Sqn. Ldr. Devayya.
I am sure, M.N. Subramani must be among the most happy persons to see that statue unveiled on 7th September 2020, 55 years after the War Hero A.B. Devayya was martyred on 7th September 1965. And not to forget, it was M.N. Subramani, presently the President of VeKare Ex-Servicemen Trust (VKET), who was instrumental in naming our city’s Sainik Aram Ghar as Squadron Leader A.B. Devayya Bhavan, despite protests from a section of the people.
I remembered all these events after reading the statue unveiling report. We are fortunate that Sqn. Ldr. A.B. Devayya did not remain a “missing pilot” forever and an Air Force Officer with fame “unknown.” Let us remember the famous epitaph in the Kohima War Cemetery:
“When you go home
Tell them of us and say
For your tomorrow
We gave our today.”
Sqn. Ldr. A.B. Devayya was just 33. He gave his ‘today’ for our ‘tomorrow’.
Jai Hind
e-mail: voice@starofmysore.com
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Columns> Abracadabra / by K.B. Ganapathy / September 11th, 2021
New Delhi:
The Supreme Court Collegium has approved the proposal for elevation of four advocates as Judges in the Karnataka High Court (HC). The Centre is expected to approve this and issue a notification.
The four names approved are — Cheppudira Monnappa Poonacha, Anant Ramanath Hegde, Siddaiah Rachaiah and Kannankuzhyil Sreedharan Hemalekha.
The Collegium headed by Chief Justice N.V. Ramana took the decision in its meeting held on Oct. 7 and the resolution was uploaded on the Apex Court website yesterday.
Advocate Cheppudira Monnappa Poonacha has more than 20 years of practice experience, having commenced his career in law in the chambers of senior advocate S.K.V. Chalapathy, and thereafter under his father late C.M. Monnappa who was also a noted advocate.
In 2001, Poonacha, along with Kiran V. Ron and R. Sukruta, established Lexplexus, a law firm in Bengaluru with a primary objective of providing diverse legal solutions to clients that include individuals, organisations of various types and large corporations. The team has trained many budding advocates.
Today, the firm, with a team of committed professionals, services a range of business and personal needs, addresses a range of diverse issues: litigation, cyber law, corporate law, contracts and intellectual property, cross border disputes, property and their allied areas.
Poonacha is known as Nayan in family circles and hails from Nokya Siddapura near Thithimathi in Kodagu. He has been serving as Additional Government Advocate in the High Court since August last year and has been commended both by the Government and the Court for his professional approach in issues of national importance. His mother Shaila hails from Kandrathanda family. Poonacha is married to Kanjithanda Savitha, daughter of Dr. Kanjithanda Chinnappa and Sharada couple. Savitha too practices as an advocate. The couple has a son and daughter Somaiah and Hitha.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 09th, 2021
Mysore/Mysuru:
Stating that Rangayana is incurring an expenditure of Rs. 48,000 to present every show of acclaimed writer Dr. S.L. Bhyrappa’s popular play ‘Parva’, Rangayana Director Addanda C. Cariappa said that the ticket for the play is priced at Rs. 250 per head, with each show recording a collection of about Rs. 25,000.
Addressing a press meet at Rangayana here on Monday, Cariappa said that the Government had released Rs. 50 lakh for staging of ‘Parva’. However, Rangayana incurred an additional expenditure of Rs. 8.07 lakh, he said clarifying that costume designer Prasad Bidappa did not receive any remuneration. However, the money spent on his assistants has been accounted as remuneration, Cariappa said and added that more than 4,500 people have watched the play which has so far seen 14 shows.
Continuing, Cariappa said that with the performance of each show of ‘Parva’, the Rangayana is losing Rs. 23,000, with the collection being only Rs. 25,000, However, the loss is being made up with the utilisation of annual grant provided by the Government for different Rangayana activities, he added.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 06th, 2021
Various stakeholders in the tourism sector gave their suggestions towards developing sustainable and eco-friendly tourism in Kodagu, during a discussion on the pros and cons of tourism in the district, held at Kodagu Press Club, Madikeri, on Tuesday.
Chamber of Commerce president M B Devaiah said that it is the foremost duty of the people of Kodagu to preserve the environment of the district. Businesses can be carried out while maintaining ethics. Money is not everything.
“Nature-friendly industries should be set up in the district to provide jobs for people,” he added.
Pravasodyama Avalambitara Okkoota president K K Manjunath Kumar said that tourism contributes immensely to the development of a country.
Tourism in Kodagu has been generating good revenue, he said and pointed out that the countries which are backward in tourism are backward in development as well.
Resort and Hotel Owners’ Association president Nagendra Prasad said that there has been a significant rise in investment in the tourism sector in the district after the market for coffee fell. There are 1.50 lakh people in the district who are depending on tourism activities for their livelihood.
Kodagu Press Club president Ajjamada Ramesh Kuttappa in his introductory remarks, said, “Every citizen of the nation has a right to carry out legal work in any part of the country to make a living. No restrictions can be imposed on him or her in carrying out a job. A forum has been formed to discuss the problems of people working in the tourism sector and to find possible solutions.
Hotel, Lodges and Restaurants’ Association advisor Chidvilas said that coffee growers switched to homestay and hotel industry after they suffered losses in the coffee industry. He also advised imposing a total ban on plastic at tourist destinations in the district.
Kodagu Samrakshana Vedike convener Chammatira Pravin Uttappa said that there is a need to curb illegal activities which are carried out in the name of tourism.
“Insulting the traditional Kodava attire in some resorts should stop immediately. Tourism activities should stop during the Cauvery fair,” he added.
District Working Journalists’ Association president Savitha Rai, writer Bharadwaj K Anandateertha, Kodagu Hitarakshana Samiti president Rajiv Bopaiah, Travel Association president Cheyyanda Satya Ganapathy, Kodagu Tourism Association president Madetira Timmaiah and others were present.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / b y DHNS, Madikeri / October 05th, 2021
Virajpet MLA K G Bopaiah inaugurated the outpost and new welcome arch of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, built at a cost of Rs 9 lakh, on the occasion of the 67th Wildlife Week on Sunday.
He said that the security has been upgraded with the new facility, so as to prevent the trespassing of people into the reserve forest. CCTV cameras have also been installed at the entrance.
Bopaiah also directed the forest department officials to take necessary measures to provide accessibility to fodder and water for elephants, bison and other herbivorous animals.
Saplings that provide fodder for such animals should be planted inside the forest area, he said.
“This will prevent the wild animals sneaking into human habitations, in search of food. Steps should also be taken to prevent the harm caused to the agriculturists living near the forests,” he added.
The MLA also inaugurated two safari tempo taxis for the benefit of visitors at Nagarahole. He also went on a safari in the new vehicle.
State Western Ghats Task Force chairman Shantheyanda Ravi Kushalappa, Nagarahole Tiger Reserve director D Mahesh Kumar, Nagarahole wildlife sub division ACF K P Gopal, Hunsur forest division ACF Satish and others were present.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Gonikoppa / October 03rd, 2021
Deputy Commissioner Charulata Somal said that the International Coffee Day celebrated in Kodagu, highlights the hard work of coffee growers, which is behind the taste of coffee.
She was speaking during the International Coffee Day programme observed by Rotary Misty Hills, at Raja Seat, on Friday.
The deputy commissioner added, “I got to know about every detail of coffee cultivation after I was posted to Kodagu. The dedication and effort by coffee growers in producing the best quality of coffee is commendable.”
Rotary Misty Hills president Anitha Poovaiah said that more than 1,500 visitors at Raja Seat were served coffee on account of International Coffee Day.
Rotary Deputy Governor H T Anil said that the quantity of coffee powder used by a person in India is 4 to 5 kg per year whereas, in a foreign country, a person uses 15 kg of coffee powder annually.
Therefore, there is a need to increase the usage of coffee in India, he added.
Misty Hills project director Devanira Tilak also spoke on the occasion.
Madikeri CMC commissioner Ramdas, horticulture department deputy director Sridhar, senior assistant director Pramod, Coffee Board deputy director Shivakumar Swamy and others were present.
‘Coffee export’
Kodagu Mahila Coffee Jagruthi Sangha distributed free coffee at various places in Madikeri on account of International Coffee Day.
The Coffee Day observed at Tadka House on Raja Seat Road was inaugurated by Kodava Samaja president K S Devaiah.
When the coffee industry was in distress women had started a unit to instil confidence in coffee growers in the district. The sangha has been promoting coffee consumption, said K S Devaiah.
Women have been actively engaged in managing coffee plantations and the industry. Kodagu’s coffee is known for its taste, he said.
Kodagu Coffee Growers’ Cooperative Society president M B Devaiah said the society is the largest coffee cooperative in Asia.
It is now mulling about exporting coffee and requires financial assistance from the government for exports, he added.
Advocate Pasura Preetham said the International Coffee Day is being observed since 2015.
Dr Mohan Appaji said that the consumption of coffee by those above 40 years is good for health.
Kodagu Mahila Coffee Jagruthi Sangha president Chitra Subbaiah, general secretary Anitha Nanda and others were present.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / October 01st, 2021
